Had an amazing time here! It is definitely one of the highlights of my Hawaii trip. The reservation is not that easily to get. We checked the link once in a while and were able to snap one. The place does not have a phone number, so the link is the only way to get a reservation. We ordered the matcha and yuzu sour. Matcha is definitely on a strong side with the spirit they used. Yuzu sour is light and airy. It was so enjoyable to drink but also could make you tipsy quickly . The also ordered the salmon dips. It came with freshly toasted bread. They also were kind enough to help us refill the bread. Who would say no to more carbs read more

Bar Leather Apron - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This place is on the North America's 50 best bars and Hawaii's only James Beard Award Finalist this year! Accolades aside my husband and I had a phenomenal night there after snatching a last minute reservation there. Honestly I would never have heard of this place if not for my foodie friends and Eater... thank you thank thank you!! The location is in a business office building in downtown Honolulu. At first you're going to think you might have gotten lost but do not fear...it is tucked away on a mezzanine level leaving only a small sign on the outside. The bar is intimate and intimate with harmonious decor. The cocktail list is sizable but all impressive sounding, making it very difficult to choose. We especially love our bartender Jason; his warm presence makes it easy to strike up conversations and to ask questions. Each of the cocktail presentation is so on point. All the ingredients get lined up in the bar, and you get to see the thought behind every creation. The attention to detail is impeccable. Every drink is so well executed and well balanced as well. At the end of the night as you check out they surprise you with a small bowl of "rocks" with chocolates. Beautiful way to finish the night. I absolutely recommend get a reservation online. It feels daunting but keep checking regularly since last minute availabilities do pop up. Even if you are not able to snatch one, they will try to accommodate you in the lounge area regardless. read more

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Reservation is must!!! There is only 6 seats at the bar. 2 hours limits so don't be late. We were lucky to be served by Scotty. First time and we had the best time. Great conversation and delicious drinks by Scotty. I walk in not having clue what I want. Scotty was so helpful and pleasant. Reasonable prices on these fancy drinks. read more

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How fortunate am I to be living so close to Bar Leather Apron where I can visit during non-peak hours and season. It takes majority of the people MONTHS and MONTHS in advance to get reservation, but I am fortunate to have been able to do walk-in 2 out of the 3 times I have tried to visit. My goal is to try ALL the drinks on their menu so that means I'll be visiting again, and again, and again, and again when they change their menu. That's how much I love it! I have never heard of the James Beard Award until I came across Bar Leather Apron. Whatever award it is, I can see why they won it. Each cocktail here is a meticulously crafted masterpiece, a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas expertly blended into liquid perfection. The mixologists here aren't just bartenders; they're true artists, wielding spirits, bitters, and house-made infusions like painters with a palette. I have never experienced such combination of ingredients in flavors before. The ambiance at Bar Leather Apron is sophisticated yet inviting, with an intimate setting that encourages conversation and appreciation for the craft. The attention to detail in the presentation of each drink, coupled with the knowledgeable and attentive staff, creates an atmosphere of unparalleled hospitality and warmth. I haven't had the chance to sit at the bar to see their amazing products being worked and in action, but I'm hoping to sometime soon. Bartenders and staff are all amazing! Jason, Justin, and Lee (soon-to-be bartender!) AND I would be remiss if I didn't mention the food...! I had the charcutterie board and the salmon dip... Created by Chef Ki, who also owns the Bar Maze down the street!!! Bartender Justin and Chef Ki opened a restaurant with an innovative concept to pair their amazing cocktails with a dish. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend checking out Bar Maze if you can get the reservation! And here is my running list of drinks in the order of my favorite to least favorite: 1. In the Soul 2. Sagano Smoke 3. Tavern Keeps Treasure 4. Imperial 5. Roma Norte 6. Flowers for You 7. Japan 8. Kietsu Tonic read more

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Must make a reservation ahead of time for the bar seating! This is where you get the amazing theatrics for the cocktails and the best service from the bartender. There is a two drink minimum and these drinks come quite strong so be prepared. Sagano smoke - top notch theatrics. The drink itself I thought was overly spirit forward Matcha old fashioned - ingredients didn't mix well for me Tried my fiancé's drinks and liked them both so it was hit or miss. read more

Bar Leather Apron - Sagano smoke - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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One of the best bars in the country. Excellent service, great attention to detail (glass wear, ice, setting,etc.), knowledgeable staff and excellent drinks. read more

Bar Leather Apron - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Bar Leather Apron was everything I expected and some. I found out about this place from a fellow Yelper and knew after hearing his experience that this would be a place I needed to visit while in Hawaii. This place is tucked away in an office building and it's very easy to miss. If you're looking for something flashy and luring, you've found the wrong place. Located in the Topa Financial Center, this is as speakeasy as it gets! It's a smaller, dimly lit and somewhat intimate to the patron. I went in a group of 4, we were placed in a small room with a sliding door giving us a little privacy (not that we needed it, but enjoyed it). The staff, leather aprons included are comprised of some enthusiastic, professional mixologists that understand the menu and all had a sense a humor that contributed to their he experience. We didn't have 1 person helping us, rather 3 dudes through our night and they were all awesome and it was easy to tell that they communicated with each other as they kept this running joke about egg whites and protein (let your imagination wander here). Aside from the amazing cocktails, the service and atmosphere was an absolute home run. There's a good selection of various drinks, don't know what you want? Ask the bartender and let their knowledge make you more indecisive! I tend to swing more towards the whisky selections so my list was narrowed down and ultimately decided after I got a great description of the drink(s). Following our drinks, we were served a bowl of rocks! A couple of pieces may have been some fine chocolate disguised as rocks, I can't remember exactly the chocolate, it was good though, credit to the drinks! If you're remotely interested in checking them out, make your reservation ASAP! It will be worth your time! read more

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Our visit last night reminded me why Bar Leather Apron is the best cocktail experience in all of Hawaii. Justin and his team provide the most incredible service during each visit. The best seats are at the intimate wooden bar and every cocktail is truly a craftsmanship. They display all of the ingredients that go into your libation and watching them curate each drink is the best part. Their menu and liquor collection is so impressive and will blow any whiskey and bourbon aficionados minds! Getting a reservation here feels almost nearly impossible at times as they've gained so much popularity over the years with their awards and accolades. You can try your luck at making a reservation the first of every month. However, the lounge area welcomes walk ins and is well worth the wait. read more

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This place is amazing. I went here with friends looking for a great cocktail on a Thursday night. I found it and more. I would like to say that the staff blew me away with their knowledge. I did not think that somewhere in Honolulu, there was a place like this. The location was a bit hard to find, especially the parking. The environment was very well made, and I loved the decor. I had a few cocktails and appetizers. Every drink was presented excellently and explained throughly. I even quizzed the owner and waiters, and they knew the answers. I will most definitely be back to this place with more friends. All my friends I took were completely impressed with this place and the service. read more

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really feels like a cocktail bar in japan. cool space and very calm. was great relaxing and having probably three rounds. food menu is very small. hardest part was finding the door to the office building that was open, and then finding the place. security is in the lobby and can direct you. read more

This is a great place for amazing drinks & a great vibe. The service was excellent. Would come here again.

I was looking for a place with unique drinks and stumbled upon Bar Leather Apron during my research. I was uncertain about making the reservation since my SO cannot drink much alcohol, and the bar has a minimum two drink per person requirement, but regretted not just moving forward with the reservation when all the slots quickly filled up online. After checking servers days in a row, there was a cancellation and immediately took the slot. Due to COVID, I was informed they are only seating six at the bar for each time slot, severely limiting availability. I saw a couple waiting outside of the bar (located in Topa Financial), hoping we wouldn't show up to our reservation...that wasn't going to happen. (You do have to pay a fee if you don't cancel 48 hours before your reservation.) I recommend allowing for time to find the bar, it was a bit confusing trying to figure out the location, especially since the reservation was at 10:30PM and the building was locked at one of the entrances. The experience itself was really great. The bartender placed all ingredients in front of us, and explained what each of the ingredients were and what he was doing. He was welcoming, kind, and helpful/accommodating. The drinks were all beautifully presented and different than anything I've had before. I very much enjoyed my evening at Bar Leather Apron. read more

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A1 craft cocktails!!!! Has the best mai tai on island! Everything on the charcuterie board pairs well together and the bartenders are amazing. The venue is super intimate... kinda reminds me of someone's decked out 'man cave' or a cigar lounge (smoking is not allowed here). I would not recommended for large crowds or anyone hoping for a sports bar type feel. If you're looking for a setting that seems sophisticated paired with amazing craft cocktails ...this is the place! read more

Bar Leather Apron - Old fashion - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Incredible night at B.L.A. Justin and Jordan were fantastic! Justin made each drink in front of us at the bar explaining every ingredient in and inspiration of each cocktail. Definitely the best cocktail bar in US and that's considering those ranked in the top half of best bars in North America. We will make another trip to Oahu based on the epic experience we had at B.L.A. Thank you, Justin! read more

The best cocktail experience ever... We were able to score a Bar reservation at Bar Leather Apron by logging into RESY exactly the first of the month prior to the reservation that we needed. We were told that reservations go quickly and hotel Concierges snatch up reservations which it makes it difficult of not impossible to walk in at any time. Seating is limited, and the bar is recommended. There are only 6 seats at the bar, so it is intimate, but the show is well worth it. Scotty was our server for this night and he was on point. He laid out all of the ingredients each time he made a drink and was careful to explain how and why that ingredient was in the drink. He also added a little showmanship to the drink and was very deliberate with his actions but not in any way pretentious. There is a two drink minimum, and the drinks are strong , so be sure to have eaten some food before or get some of their offerings to snack on. We had the Imperial, their 2015 award winning World's Best Mai Tai, the Yuzu Sour, In the Soul, and a Red Shiso between the two of us. Awesome drinks, awesome experience. read more

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Congrats on JBF award. Came by for a drink but the listed hours are incorrect . The bar is inside the TOPA Financial center building on the Mezzanine level. Take stairs up from the lobby. Can be a bit tricky to find. read more

Superb drinks, excellent service, and relaxed ambiance. My first time here since reservations are almost impossible to snag! First of all, park in the structure, the TOPA Financial Center Public Garage, enter off of Nimitz and proceed to the basement. You can get it validated at the bar and it will cost $2. You will end up on the opposite side: Bishop Street when you exit. I was confused when leaving the building. Anyway, back to the drinks. We sat at the bar and I ordered the Red Shiso Smash: Toki, Red Shiso, Lemon, Yuzu, Wasanbon Sugar, Soda. I love shiso and Yuzu, so this drink was perfect for me! I also ordered the Kisetsu tonic. I realized that online doesn't have all the drinks available and in the bar, the menu is more extensive! I remember the Kisetsu tonic had lilikoi and yuzu which tasted amazing. Best take on gin and tonic. The mai tai was also very flavorful and the presentation was amazing! The smoke came out of the tiki box. Very beautiful presentation. Only got 2 drinks since we came at 10 and I didn't want to rush another drink since last call was 11:30. I definitely want to be back since there's more drinks I want to try! I really enjoyed sitting at the bar since the bartender would show and explain what goes in each drink. We also got some bar snacks and chocolates to end the night. Loved everything about this experience and I'm so glad to have been able to snag a seat. I definitely will be back! read more

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This speak easy is pretty cool. We got lucky and just walked in one Friday evening. We got seated immediately at a table. The best experience would be at the bar where you get to interact with the bartender and watch him make your drinks. I ordered their Matcha high ball which if you like Bourban than this is the drink for you. I ordered it mainly for the pics. You could taste the Matcha as well as the Bourban. Presentation is nice here. I want to come back and order some other fancy drinks and sit at the bar. read more

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This spot is one of the absolute best cocktail bars I've ever been to and I can't believe it's taken me this long to go! Okay okay, fair enough that reservations are nearly impossible to snag, but once I finally buckled down, I was able to get us two seats. With such a close and intimate space, and absolute professionalism, this place could be in an alley and I'd go. Tucked away in a tiny corner of a financial building, at first you may not be able to find it, but once you do? Heaven! The quality of the cocktails is superb, and the attention to detail unsurpassed. Each drink on the menu looked unique and delicious, well balanced and tasty. The staff is top notch, high quality humans too, and I will tell everyone and anyone, if you drink, you've got to go! read more

BLA is one of thee best bars in Honolulu!!! They almost got 5 stars from me. Service is impeccable. The host, servers, and bartenders make you feel such at ease. You are comfortable from the minute you walk in. Some call this bar a "speakeasy" but I don't consider it. It is located in a business building but the bar is not hidden. It's located on the first floor main lobby and you'll need to go up a flight of stairs. The bar is packed with many high end reserve whiskey, bourbon, and other alcohols. The actual bar is some kind of monkey pod wood that is shinned and definitely stands out when first look in. The drinks!!!! Where do I even start. The menu is divided by the types of drinks. I gravitated to the old fashions. They make so many different types. The menu starts off spirit forward. I of course ordered "In the soul". It's a type of old fashion. Not too sweet but just the right amount of spirit. It's smoked and topped with absinthe. My boyfriend ordered the "Leather Soul" which is smoked tobacco that coats your cup. It's a very strong drink. You can taste the quality of the alcohol and ingredients. I'm such an ice snob. I was taught that you can tell by the quality of the bar by their ice. BLA puts so much work in their ice. It's so clear and free of any bubbles. The food was also perfect. We ordered a charcuterie board, some type of bread, and dips. See pictures. The love that is put into each drink is amazing. I would love to go here every week but they're always booked. I recommend making a reservation ahead of time. The only reason BLA didn't get 5 starts from me was the temperature. My party of 4 was placed in a private room but the ventilation and air condition was very limited. The room quickly got hot while working on our first drink. read more

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Parking entrance in on Ala Moana. Park on the basement floor. Take elevator to Lobby. Stay in the Fort Tower. Bar entrance is on your left pass the security desk. We had an incredible time. The bartender excellent pained each drink as he made it for us. My fav was the espresso daiquiri was delicious. There were many IG pic opportunities especially when we ordered the smoked mai tai. The presentation was excellent. We tried to go back in a couple of days on a Saturday. Unfortunately, they were short staffed and couldn't accommodate us. read more

Bar Leather Apron - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I'll preface this by saying I dislike leaving negative reviews for the most part, and this is not negative, just a little bit of a disappointment. We were about 10 minutes late, which is on us for Google maps sending us to the Bishop St entrance which was closed. We were greeted well, and all the staff were friendly. But I noticed others were also late, and there was a large group they were taking care of, so our lateness doesn't make up for the comparison of service we received. Once we got seated, we were told a bartender would be over to speak with us soon about cocktail options. We were excited about this since my husband is a big whiskey fan and would've liked to know more. But this didn't happen. We waited a while with menus closed to show we were ready to order. Our order seemed rushed by the hostess, but props to her for being an all rounder. Minutes later the bartender was back out to offer their fine service and build rapport with other diners. That said, the signature Mai Tai cocktail was smooth and somewhat creamy, and I loved that! Their combination of ingredients is something you won't find anywhere else. So many layers. Kiawe is the aroma that hits you upon entry, and it is a lovely scent. The maitai is infused with this. We also got the cheddar and salami plate, hummus, and duck bao buns. The bao buns are a must! For a Friday, we were really hoping to see all the items on the menu available, but the salmon was out. Respect, though, I guess the fresh catch wasn't available. The website menu is also a little different food wise, so don't rely on that as we had been looking forward to the kampachi. For how long it takes to wait for an available slot for a table here, I doubt we'll return. But I would never discourage anyone else from trying it out. If possible, try for a bar seat. Definitely seems more interactive and fun. Experiences may differ. read more

Bar Leather Apron - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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It only took us 20 minutes to figure out where the entrance is. This speakeasy is hidden inside a corporate building. While all the entrances are locked in the evening, the one in the back door isn't. Voila. You're in. We arrived without a reservation and luckily, we were seated. The service is superb. We received complementary treats with our unique beverages. The drinks were strong and simple, they didn't have to add a bunch of random ingredients to stand out. Atmosphere: causal romantic. Would be nice for date night. Expect to spend about $20 a drink. read more

Bar Leather Apron - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Bar Leather Apron is THE spot for high quality drinks not just in town, but for the entire island of Oahu. While it is possible to nab some walk in seating, you're better served making a reservation well in advance. Generally speaking, it seems they release reservation dates on the first of each month for the following month, and it gets competitive so book early. IF you can get bar seating, you'll be in for a treat as you'll not only get to chat with the amazing and professional bartenders, but you'll be in for a show as they carefully craft the most amazing cocktails. Also bear in mind that bar seating is limited to even numbers only, no odd numbered parties of patrons at the bar. I've been to this wonderful bar about four or five times in the past few years, and the drinks, ambiance, service and general consistency is remarkable. I highly recommend the "Royal Kunia" (especially if they have the included Maui Specialty Chocolates sea salt chocolate in stock), as well as the "In the Soul" (the BLA take on a penicillin). That said, I should offer the disclaimer that everyone's tastes when it comes to cocktails is vastly different and what I find desirable in a drink may not be for everyone. Their matcha old fashioned was also unique and worth a try. As far as the edible fare, the BLA menu is not the most vast, but it satisfies if you aren't there for a meal. Everything served is high quality, and they rotate new items in frequently enough to keep you interested. The service is always stellar with consistent professionalism and a dedication to presentation and quality of product. I feel like nothing that leaves the bar is considered "good enough", everything that comes out is "as good as it can be." It's also always a pleasure to see and chat with Scotty to learn something new from him about the drinks or food. I can't say enough good things about BLA, although I do wish they reinstated their "BLA at home" options or even their guri guri collaboration with Asato Family Shop. In any case, we will be back again for the next special occasion. Highs: The best cocktails on the island (with the awards to prove it), courteous and professional staff, consistency, cool ambiance, everything you want in a high end bar. Lows: If I HAD to choose one, I wish their food menu had a bit more substantial fare, but if you understand that this is a BAR with some snacks thrown in, you'll be more than satisfied with the experience. read more

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Pretentious establishment in a weird office setting. Pretends there is a line when it's actually empty. Drinks are okay but overpriced. read more

We were visiting Oahu and our friend told us this was the best Mai tai they've ever have. The location can be tricky to find as located in an unassuming financial tower, it felt like a speakeasy because it was difficult to find. We showed up around 5:30 with no reservations and were seated pretty quickly in a private room that fit six. We ordered the award winning mai tai and a yuzu sour. The presentation was very nice and the drinks were fantastic. The bar provided complimentary rice crackers and chocolate truffle that was presented on a rock. I would love to come again and try the matcha old fashioned and espresso martini. They also had an extensive Japanese whiskey list. read more

Bar Leather Apron - Mai tai - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I must say this place never disappoints in selection and service. The whiskey selection is pretty extensive and the specialty drinks is what made this place a top 50 in the US. Located in the Topa Financial building in downtown, just up the stairs from Burgers on Bishop. Parking is validated and so far most times that I have gone, it was easy to park and get into the building. I ill have to be honest though, Im not a planner to think ahead to book a reservations so i just literally stock the site for any cancellations during the week or month that friends are in town. Prices are relatively reasonable. I have spent more at other places but you know your pricing and what you like. read more

Extremely limited availability and other then booking on line.. No phone to call to ask questions to someone live.the ambiance is nice, can't say anything about the food or beverage because they wouldn't even let us have a drink at the bar read more

Hands down the best espresso martini on the island! The addition of the whole egg gives it an incredibly creamy texture, and even as a slow sipper, it never separated--perfectly balanced from start to finish. Also a big fan of the smoked salmon dip--rich, flavorful, and a great pairing with drinks. Definitely a standout spot! read more

Finally got to try this place after many years. Didn't even have a reservation since their reservation page is always full. Just saw their IG post that they were accepting walk-ins. Got lucky and only had to wait a few minutes. Didn't realize how small this place was or even where it was located. Parked in the Topa Tower. Parked in the basement and came up to the lobby where the restaurant is located in the mezzanine area. Service was great, a little on the slower side and kind of quiet but it went hand in hand with the ambiance. Only a 6 seater bar with a few tables for parties no more than 4. Since the bar isn't technically enclosed, the temperature is whatever the lobby is, which is a little on the warm side. Didn't help that they served room temp water. Drinks and experience were great, but wish we got to sit at the bar where it is a little more intimate and personal experience with the dedicated bartender. People will say it's pricey, but not realize the higher quality alcohol being consumed. Food was minimal so don't expect to get full here. Definitely for folks who appreciate specialty drinks. Will definitely be back to sample more drinks. read more

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Nice selection!! This place is very impressive! Our mixologist gave fun recommendations for what we wanted in a drink. He was spot on every time. This place is really nice for good conversation and curated drinks. There's a very small food selection, limited to a small charcuterie and a dip. Highly recommend! read more

Bar Leather Apron - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Worth it!!!!! Must have a reservation! They are very hard to get and require to be booked months in advance. I checked their Resy almost every day. They are located in a random financial building on the first floor. Service was phenomenal and the bartenders really know their stuff. In the reservation it said a two drink minimum was required per person but they didn't mention it when we arrived. We did order two drinks each anyway. Bar is very small and intimate - they have maybe 6 seats at the bar and then maybe 4 tables or so in the main room. We were even given some complimentary snacks which were delicious btw. I would highly recommend and I would come back every time. read more

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I wasn't quite sure what to expect when walking in here. This isn't your typical bar where you order some rounds for you and your group but this was an experience in its own. The attention to detail when the drinks are being made was just amazing to see. Justin and the staff definitely know what they are doing. I would have to say this is the best bar that I have been to. Talking to Justin he has a lot of experience in the bar industry and made you feel like you were right at home. The fact that he waited for me to sit at the bar so he can push my seat in shows you the love and detail they put in to this place. read more

Bar Leather Apron - Matcha old fashioned - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

My "see the world through food" travel companion and I went to experience the libations at Bar Leather Apron (BLA). This was my first visit ... it shall not be my last! We sat at the bar; a very difficult seat to book. Under COVID-19 restrictions, BLA only seats 6 at the bar. IMO, you have to sit at the bar to get the full experience of the magic performed by Justin. We started with the Oaxaca Smoke for me and the E Ho'o Pau Mai Tai for my companion. Wow! Watching Justin craft our drinks with such care and explaining each step was like going to school (the good kind). We ordered three plates: Ginger-Beet Hummus, Smoked Duck Baos and Kampachi Crudo. Each were works of art visually as well as being delectable. Our second round of drinks comprised of a Yuzu Sour for me and a Red Shiso Smash for my friend. We kept asking what Justin was making for the other patrons ... they all look so (I have no words to describe them). Justin gave us samples of Campari; wow, I tasted chocolate like I do with some red wines. To close our experience, Justin gave us small dishes of a sorbet made with gin and other ingredients that my brain failed to register. What did register was that it was simply delicious. Soon it will be put on the menu ... we felt so special being able to sample it. BLA is a special place; count yourself fortunate if you can snag a seat at the bar and experience the magic as performed by Justin. Highly recommended! read more

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Small corner bar right up a set of narrow stairs, not what you expect in a commercial business building, but quiet enough you get transported back in time to almost the prohibition era. I like how the bartenders here dress; and their unique personalities as they stir up your drink. They do the performance in front of you as they explain each step on creating your drink. Not a cheap place and not a good place to take a date unless your date enjoys hard liquor. However my friend truly enjoys the atmosphere and their unique drinks that he considers only coming here on special occasions. Although I don't drink liquor, I still truly enjoyed this experience read more

Bar Leather Apron - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

TL;DR: Drinks are mediocre and expensive. I'd skip it. I have been to quite a few bars on the World's 50 Best list, and I was excited to check out Bar Leather Apron. However, I am rather disappointed by my experience here. A lot of people have complained about it being nearly impossible to make a reservation here. It was fully booked for the days we were in Honolulu, so we decided to try our luck with walk-ins. Their last seating is at 10:30pm. We came as a party of 2 and they told us they weren't sure whether they'd be able to seat us that night, which was fine and we decided to wait anyways. It took about an hour for us to be seated. There was another girl who came by herself and got seated right away. So, you might have a good shot if you are coming alone. We ordered a total of 4 drinks. These drinks, while conceptually interesting, did not deliver on execution. I was drawn to the novel and unique elements that made their drinks theirs, but I could not taste the matcha in "matcha", or the sesame in the espresso martini, or the strawberry and tomato in the el umami. They all just tasted like drinks I could have gotten elsewhere (for cheaper), and it felt as if they wanted to attempt novelty but were scared that they'd turn people away. I think they indexed too much on the drinks being pretty/instagrammable rather than being tasty. I can name far better bars with more interesting drinks and lower price points, easily, off the top of my head. Lastly, I echo someone else's review that they weren't as busy as they seemed to be. It looked like they were holding back tables. If you still want to try your luck with walk-ins, the bartender recommended coming between 7-9pm because they are busiest before and after dinner. read more

Rude hostess wanted to find another bar for us to go because we obviously don't meet their clientele expectations. There were basically 4 people in there and we were asked to wait downstairs and they would come get us when we could be seated. No timeline for expected seat time. We were also 2 steps inside the door and were asked to back up into the hall way, apparently to not clutter the entrance to their empty bar. This place has obviously let their prestigious awards get to their head. No Aloha here. Go somewhere else where you get treated like a human being. Good whiskey is everywhere. read more

What an amazing bar that our group had the chance to experience! I found out about Bar Leather Apron about a week before our trip and when I was looking for reservations, they were all booked! However, on the day before we were about to leave, they magically had an opening and we snatched it right up! This is a tiny little bar and our group of 4 was able to enjoy our drinks in a tiny private room. Every drink sounded amazing and I think we each ended up getting 2 drinks and there wasn't one that we didn't enjoy. We also grabbed some small bites, but we didn't want to eat too much since we were getting dinner afterwards. I don't remember all the drinks we got, but we basically were able to try 8 different drinks. If I ever make it in life, I do want to be able to experience their exclusive Yamazaki 25 but I can dream for now. If you're a local, or just visit, this is the spot to check out! Will definitely be back again. read more

Scottie made this one of the most memorable vacation experiences we've ever had. Protip for getting in if you're like us and they were completely booked during your vacation: check their Resy as your pool/beachside past time. People cancel at the last min (2-3 days out) regularly and it always got snatched up quickly. If your evenings are flexible chances are you can snag a cancelation if you're diligent! Tip 2 is to follow them on Instagram. They post walk-in availability on there same day. But I think that may only be for lounge seating, at least back in May. I would strongly recommended bar seating for the best experience. Lounge drinks are still delicious and made wituvthe same recipe. But it's more batched for streamlined service and poured at a back of house bar, by a second bartender. The showmanship and interaction with a bartender like Scottie is part of what made the experience fun. Bar seats are by far the way to go. As far as what to drink... Everything? It's all good, but the obvious choice is their famous mai tai. Smoky, balanced, fruity. Not too sweet. Otherwise I would rely on the expertise of the staff there and really, you can't for wrong with their recs. The food menu is really small and just light snacks. I always need snacks for drinking and thought they were nice to munch on and went OK with their bevos. Truly so fun. The drinks are delicious, the space is swanky af, and the service is perfect. Deserving of every accolade they've received and not to be missed when visiting the island. read more

This place was well worth the money and wait. I'm really glad my local friend was able to secure a booking for our party at the bar counter. If you're into cocktails, this place is definitely for you. Scotty, our bartender was entertaining, knowledgeable, and humorous. You can tell that there was a genuine passion for his craft. His showmanship was also one of a kind. Watching him make the cocktail in front of you with the presentation of all the different ingredients that were prepped was a theatrical experience. The level of service that they provide also makes one feel very welcomed (pushing in of the chairs at the bar, walking one to the bathroom downstairs). I would not hesitate to come again the next time I'm in town. Make sure to book for the bar or you won't be able to see them make the drinks. BEWARE: Some of the drinks are pretty heavy so drink responsibly. =] read more

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